Valerian II (AD 256–258) Roman Empire BI Double-Denarius Posthumous NGC Ch VF

Valerian II Billon Double-Denarius — An Imperial Heir Remembered

This posthumous Roman coin honors Valerian II, a young member of the dynasty that attempted to guide the empire through the third-century crisis. It combines the monetary history of the double-denarius with the Roman practice of commemorating deceased members of the imperial family.

Coin Details

• Person commemorated: Valerian II
• Tenure and issue: Caesar, AD 256–258; this is a posthumous issue, struck after his death rather than throughout that tenure
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Double-denarius, also called an antoninianus
• Composition: Billon (BI), a copper-rich silver alloy
• NGC grade: Ch VF — Choice Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 30–35
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Valerian II and His Place in Roman History

Valerian II was the son of Gallienus and grandson of the emperor Valerian I. His appointment as Caesar in AD 256 placed a third generation of the family within the imperial hierarchy. Caesar was a junior imperial rank associated with succession, not the same title as the senior rank of Augustus.

He died in AD 258, and the circumstances of his death remain uncertain. The dynasty was soon tested even more severely: his grandfather was captured by the Sasanians in AD 260. Remembering the young heir on coinage preserved his place within a family whose public image emphasized continuity during a period of military danger.

What the Coin Tells Us

A posthumous issue is a coin produced in someone’s honor after death. Its portrait commemorates the deceased rather than announcing a living ruler’s current command. This is why the dates associated with Valerian II’s tenure should not be mistaken for the precise production date of every memorial coin.

The double-denarius, often called the antoninianus, became a central denomination in third-century Roman currency. Its silver content declined over time; billon describes a low-silver alloy rather than pure silver. The holder’s attribution and grade identify the offered type and condition, while the exact commemorative reverse and individual surface appearance may vary.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one posthumous billon double-denarius commemorating Valerian II in an NGC Ancients holder, graded Ch VF (Choice Very Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.